By Bilal Ahmed
Koivun’s Breakthrough Victory in Blaine
The 2026 3M Open in Blaine delivered a memorable weekend for Minnesota golf enthusiasts, as Jackson Koivun secured his inaugural PGA Tour victory. The 21-year-old achieved this milestone in only his third professional start, competing at TPC Twin Cities. Koivun concluded the tournament at 25-under par 259, establishing a new scoring record for the event. His performance saw him outlast Scottie Scheffler in front of large galleries and under warm summer conditions.
Koivun took command of the tournament during the third round on Saturday, where he posted a score of 10-under 61. This round included a notable 28 on the back nine. He maintained his composure on Sunday, delivering a bogey-free 66 to secure a three-shot victory. The win earned him a champion’s cheque of $1.58 million from the tournament’s total purse of $8.8 million.
Tournament Highlights and Scheffler’s Challenge
Scottie Scheffler, who entered the week as the world’s top-ranked player, mounted a strong challenge during the final round. His score of 8-under 63 generated excitement among the spectators and temporarily narrowed the lead. However, Koivun’s consistent play in the closing stages ensured his margin of victory remained intact. Scheffler finished in solo second place at 22-under, continuing a season of strong performances where he has frequently been in contention.
Beyond Koivun’s victory, the event also featured a significant moment in PGA Tour history on Friday. Michael Kim achieved a score of 12-under 59, becoming only the fifteenth player ever to break 60 in a competition. Kim’s impressive round was a defining highlight of the week and contributed to his top-10 finish.
A Rapid Ascent for Koivun
Koivun’s victory marks a swift transition from a collegiate standout to a winner on the PGA Tour. Earlier this year, he played a role in helping Auburn secure a national championship. He then turned professional last month, quickly demonstrating his capabilities on golf’s premier stage. His win in Blaine has propelled him to No. 70 in the FedEx Cup standings, positioning him within the cutoff for the playoffs, which are scheduled to commence in two weeks.
The 3M Open continues to be a prominent summer stop on the PGA Tour schedule. The event consistently attracts large crowds, showcases dramatic scoring, and frequently introduces breakout champions. Koivun’s performance is expected to be remembered long after the final putt of the tournament.
Koivun is now the seventh first-time winner on the PGA Tour in 2026. Other first-time winners this year include Jacob Bridgeman at the Genesis Invitational, Ricky Castillo at the Puerto Rico Open, and Alex Fitzpatrick at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Additionally, Kristoffer Reitan won the Truist Championship, Bud Cauley claimed the RBC Canadian Open, and Stefano Mazzoli was victorious at the Corales Puntacana Championship.
The PGA Tour saw a total of 17 first-time winners in 2025, indicating a trend of new talent emerging in the sport. Koivun’s win continues this pattern, with his success coming in just his third professional start on the Tour.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
